The son of the late Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, has accused a sitting member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly involvement in the abduction and subsequent murder of his father.
The shocking allegations have sparked outrage and concern within the community.
The late Sarkin Gobir was abducted by bandits and later killed, a tragedy that has shaken the Gatawa District. According to Bawa’s son, the bandits who kidnapped his father disclosed that Hon. Aminu Boza, the representative of Sabon Birnin Gobir in the Sokoto State Assembly, was complicit in the plot.
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The gunmen allegedly revealed that Boza provided them with crucial information needed to carry out the kidnapping and paid them N5 million.
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, the son of the late Bawa, who is seen lying on a sickbed while receiving treatment, recounted the harrowing details.
“The bandits said in front of me that Aminu Boza was the one who gave them the guns to kidnap us,” he stated. He further claimed that the weapons were given to the bandits during the campaign period and that they were paid to kidnap his father, whom they did not personally know.
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The bandits allegedly told Bawa’s father that if the ransom wasn’t paid, they were instructed to kill him.
However, in a viral audio message that surfaced on Friday, Boza vehemently denied any involvement in criminal activities or association with bandits.
“I am declaring to the whole world that these allegations will never discourage me from fighting against banditry,” Boza stated.
He emphasized that he is not involved in any criminal activities and reaffirmed his commitment to combating insecurity in the region. Boza explained that he had contacted top security personnel to request the establishment of security camps in several affected areas, including Zulum, Tusawa, Tagriki, and Corner Tabazawa.
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“If we have security operatives and camps in these areas, we will be relieved of insecurity. However, currently, there is no security presence in any of these locations,” he noted, expressing concern over the growing power of the bandits who continue to launch attacks at will.
The lawmaker criticized the federal government’s approach of negotiating with bandits, arguing that it undermines justice and is unlikely to yield positive results.
“Negotiating with the bandits will not work; if we negotiate with them, we will be undermining justice,” Boza declared. He stressed the importance of uniting to eliminate the bandits and restore peace to the community, even if it meant risking his life.
“I would be proud to die fighting the bandits if it means we can rid our community of them and restore peace,” he added, highlighting his determination to continue the fight against banditry.
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The controversy comes amid reports that the burial of Bawa was conducted without his body. Before his tragic death, a distressing video surfaced showing Bawa pleading for his life and urging the government to intervene.
According to a Facebook user, Sarki Yaqi, the burial ceremony was conducted in accordance with Islamic guidelines, which permit burial without the physical presence of the deceased in such circumstances.
As the allegations against Hon. Aminu Boza continue to circulate, the community and authorities are grappling with the implications of these claims. The case highlights the growing challenges of insecurity and the complex dynamics at play in the fight against banditry in Nigeria.